Monthly Archives: February 2011

LANSING – Transportation grants recently awarded in Muskegon County will help bring new jobs to the area while retaining current workers, said Sen. Goeff Hansen.

To accommodate the impact of a proposed development by fortu Powercell, Inc., the Muskegon County Road Commission will reconstruct Giles Road from Whitehall Road to M-120, adding passing flares and additional turn lanes at several intersections.

Fortu PowerCell proposes constructing an integrated battery cell manufacturing facility on Whitehall Road in Muskegon Township. The facility will be located on approximately 400 acres owned by Bayer CropScience.

Hansen said the proposed facility would be the first high-volume manufacturing plant for battery cells using newly-developed fortu technology. It will represent an investment of $200 million to the area and may employ 300 people when completed.

The western entrance to the proposed development is located on Whitehall Road between Giles and River roads. The roadway at the proposed entrance is currently a two-way, two-lane road with no accommodation for the additional traffic that will be associated with the development. The road commission will add a passing flare and right-turn lane at the new entrance to the development along Whitehall Road.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $1.029 million, with a $538,000 grant and a match of $490,200 by the road commission, Bayer/fortu and federal surface transportation funds.

Another transportation grant of $139,003 would be used to resurface Temple Street in Muskegon from Young Avenue to Laketon Avenue. This improvement would allow suppliers and shippers associated with the Brunswick Corp. the ability to access the company’s site year-round using fully loaded trucks.

Brunswick is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of recreation products. Brunswick Bowling Products Division, located on Temple Street, specializes in all types of bowling equipment and accessories.

“Brunswick and its suppliers have been concerned about the condition of Temple Street for some time,” Hansen said. “By making these improvements, 175 jobs at Brunswick are poised to remain in Michigan.”

The total cost of the project is an estimated $210,003, with the $139,003 grant and a $71,000 match from the city of Muskegon.

LANSING – If you have a concern about state government or seek to share comments about an important issue, Sen. Goeff Hansen wants to have a cup of coffee with you and talk things over.

Hansen has scheduled two “coffee hours” for Monday, Feb. 28 in Muskegon County.

The 34th District lawmaker will be in Montague at The Book Nook & Java Shop, 8726 Ferry St., from 9-10:15 a.m.

He also is available in Whitehall from 10:30-11:45 a.m. at Gary’s Restaurant, 906 E. Colby St.

“I encourage anyone who needs help or wants to express a viewpoint to stop by,” said Hansen, R-Hart. “My goal is to provide the best service possible for the hard-working people of west Michigan. I am eager to hear directly from area constituents.”

LANSING – Sen. Goeff Hansen and Rep. Ray Franz announced Monday that the Michigan Department of Transportation will provide a grant for work on Dowland Street in Ludington.

“The MDOT grant to Ludington will further the economic development of this great community,” said Hansen, R-Hart. “Anytime we invest in our roads, there is opportunity for job growth, an increase in tourism and a better quality of life for our community members. I applaud the MDOT decision to help Ludington and am excited to see the results.”

A Fiscal Year 2012 Transportation Economic Development Fund Category F grant has been awarded for work on Dowland Street from Washington Avenue to George Street, and another stretch of Dowland from James Street to Rath Avenue. The grant is for actual construction costs up to $375,000.

“In these hard times of shrinking budgets, we deeply appreciate the assistance to our local road commissions,” said Franz, R-101st District. “It will mean improved infrastructure and keeping local jobs.”

Category F grants are competitive grants made to eligible road agencies in order to preserve and/or expand all-season road network within the urban areas of rural counties.

LANSING―State Sen. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart, welcomed Pastor Lorraine Boucon of the Hart Congregational United Church of Christ to the state Senate on Thursday, February 10. Ms. Boucon delivered the invocation before Senate session.

For a print quality version of this and other photos of Sen. Hansen, please visit his website at www.SenatorGoeffHansen.com and click Photowire.

LANSING – Volunteers will help college-bound Michigan students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at more than two dozen events across the state on Feb. 13, including two locations that are nearby for many west Michigan residents.

Baker College of Muskegon will sponsor College Goal Sunday activities from 2-4 p.m. The college is located at 1903 Marquette in Muskegon. A similar event is also scheduled from 2-4 p.m. at the Newagyo County Regional Educational Service Agency, 4747 W. 48th St. in Fremont.

“This is a great opportunity for area families to get some excellent assistance free of charge,” said Sen. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart.

College Goal Sunday is a collaborative effort of the Michigan Department of Education, the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association, and EduGuide. Financial aid experts will be available to guide students and their parents through each step of completing and filing the FAFSA. The FAFSA is required of any student seeking financial aid, including grants, loans, and many scholarships.

“Students under age 23 are encouraged to attend with a parent or guardian,” Hansen said. “This is a worthwhile event that could make a real difference in a family’s life.”

The 34th District lawmaker said parents and students should bring their completed 2010 federal tax return if possible, or their W-2 and 1099 forms.